(UPDATE: Friday, August 29) – According to the Texans, coach Gary Kubiak says the team still is deciding what to do with RB Chris Brown and his back injury. The Texans have one move to make to get their roster to 53 men by tomorrow. It sounds like Brown’s headed for the I.R. or will be released with an injury settlement.

• • •

(UPDATE: Saturday, August 30) – According to the Texans, The team recently ordered more tests to be performed on RB Chris Brown’s ailing back, including an MRI. The Texans beat writers don’t think Brown will be on the Week 1 roster, but GM Rick Smith is optimistic. “We are trying to be as diligent as possible,” Smith said. “We’re assessing where we feel like he is as a player, and what his contribution can be. We want to exhaust every opportunity.”

• • •

(UPDATE: Saturday, August 30) – According to the Texans, the team placed RB Chris Brown on injured reserve, ending his season. An MRI may have shown structural damage to Brown’s back. The 27-year-old is easily one of the league’s most injury prone players. This may now lead to releasing Brown on an injury settlement.

• • •

(UPDATE: Saturday, August 30) – According to the Texans, the team will start the opener against the Steelers with Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton at runningback. The team says RB Ahman Green is in shape, but may not be ready to start the opener on Sunday.

• • •

(UPDATE: Sunday, August 31) – According to the Texans, the team does not expect to take a look at free agent RB Rudi Johnson.

• • •

(UPDATE: Sunday, August 31) – The Texans claimed DE Stanley McClover off waivers from the Panthers and waived OT Cliff Washburn.

• • •

(UPDATE: Sunday, August 31) – The Texans signed RB Darius Walker to their practice squad.

(UPDATE: Monday, September 1) – The Lions released RB Tatum Bell. Surprise, surprise, the Texans name is once again being mentioned in the middle of it. Sources have indicated the Texans have contacted Tatum Bell’s agent, but no news on what has come out of the initial contact between either side. Stay tuned…

• • •

(UPDATE: Tuesday, September 2) – Texans waived OL Brandon Frye.

• • •

(UPDATE: Tuesday, September 2) – Sources say that former Texans OL Charles Spencer is set to take a physical for Jacksonville. If Spencer passes the physical, he will be added to the roster in lieu of Jags OT Richard Collier recently being shot and critically wounded. Carolina originally claimed Spencer off waivers from the Texans, but then cut him a few days later..

• • •

(UPDATE: Wednesday, September 3) – According to the Texans, the team signed signed veteran Safety/Cornerback DB Eugene Wilson to a one-year contract..

Wilson gives Houston an upgrade over young Brandon Harrison as a backup at free safety behind Will Demps, but Wilson can also play cornerback as well, so the Texans may utilize the veteran at one of the corners until Dunta comes back.

• • •

(UPDATE: Wednesday, September 3) – As of this afternoon, reports indicated that Tatum Bell was on a plane and on his way to Houston to try out for Kubiak and the Texans.

They cut both Brink and Boyd. They are only keeping 2 QB’s. Walker was cut along with Shipp. They have until tomorrow to cut Brown. They still have one player to cut, as they haven’t decided who yet, so Chris Brown could still get the axe. -TH

My prediction is that they stash Chris Brown on the PUP list. This way if Green goes down early, then they can activate Brown in week 6. If Green stays healthy through week 9, then they can either release Brown or put him on IR.

TSG,

Rick Smith just announced that the Texans are already scouring the waiver wire for players that could better help us. Rick Smith wants to add more CB’s to the roster, so that means he would have to subtract players from some other position(s) -TH

I am on the job scouring other team’s cuts to see if there are any interesting names out there.First up:DE Dan Bazuin (Bears)If we could give him time to get his knee fully healthy, he could be exactly what we are looking for off the edge on passing downs. Here’s another link.

I would have thought Kubiak might have looked back, “You know that Walker kid helped us win a few games after we gave him a chance last year.” I guess he’s looking at how Great a guy does in Practice. I’ll take a gamer over a great practice player any day.

Jack,

I hear ya. I still think a youth movement at the RB position is what we need. We’re not going to develop a franchise back from a has-been veteran. Slaton will be our #1 back by the middle of the season, mark my words. -TH

I hear ya. I still think a youth movement at the RB position is what we need. We’re not going to develop a franchise back from a has-been veteran. Slaton will be our #1 back by the middle of the season, mark my words. -TH

hmmm. and hes on your team. lol

John,

Good to hear from ya. How was the move to Dallas? OH and yes, I have to hype up Slaton since he was just sitting on the waiver wire begging to be taken..LOL! -TH

Just a little house-keeping for you – you have Tim Bulman listed as a cornerback, lol.

You know, I’m kind of upset that they didn’t cut Chris Brown. They’ve clearly committed to Ahman Green who will obviously be injured again soon – what’s the point in keeping Brown around? Even when he’s healthy, it won’t last. What makes them think they can get anything out of this guy? So he’s fast, so he knows the system – well, so what! If the guy can’t even survive pre-season, what makes them think he could play more than a game or two during the 17-week grind??

I would have thought Kubiak might have looked back,… –Posted by: Jack at August 29, 2008 05:18 PMI don’t get the love-affair with Walker (but then I didn’t get the love-affairs with Luke Scott, Steve Francis or Mike Lamb either, to name just a few).I just never saw anything from Walker that said “hey, there’s a guy to count on game in and game out.” People hated Ron Dayne relentlessly but he did his job when they called his number – yet I still wasn’t surprised to see him go.I can only conclude that it’s the “old school tie” crowd rooting for a ND product. Chris Taylor and Steve Slaton are more than adequate as far as a “youth movement goes,” and scream as you might, Ahmad Green is still the best RB out there – WHEN he is healthy. His new contract makes a lot of sense in that case.

I’m suddenly less excited about this season. Unless the’ve decided to run a 3 wideout set and be a pass first team most plays, which is possible, it’s starting to look more like a 7&9 season. So they get younger on defense but talk about improving the running game and keep 2 players who need walkers just to get on the field, and cut Darius Walker, a guy who has demonstrated potential.

After all the stuff I’ve read about the defense and the pass rush, nothing surprises me. It wouldn’t surprise me if the team went 12&4, and it wouldn’t surprise me if the team imploded and went say 6&10 either.

How, and why did they keep Weaver?! They need to get rid of the guys just taking up space. The other cuts I don’t have a problem with, except Faggins still being on the roster. I know he had a good game last night, but that was against 2nd and 3rd team guys. Does he have some “pictures” of either Smith or Kubiak? Loyalty only goes so far…..anyway, here’s to Kubiak and Smith knowing what they’re doing! Go Texans!!!

You dont have Bulman on either list(unless I missed him, sorry if I did). Some people have him cut, some rosters still have him on the team. I hope he makes it, he has worked hard for it. Whats going on him him?

Not only does this ‘old school guy’ have to get up early in the morning (caffeine barely kickin in), but in Walker I saw a back that didn’t get hurt, didn’t put the ball on the ground and didn’t get his Q.B. killed. Did he ever get the chance this preseason to run behind the starting line ?….Plus, I hate Notre Dame damn near as much as I hate Pittsburgh. If Green hobbles out of that Steelers game hurt, I will be totally disgusted (unless, of course, if Slaton comes in kicks some a$$).

No fool I have nothing to do with the “Old school tie crowd” or Notre Dame. It’s just a simple realization that Darius Walker demonstrated during the end of last season that he can run well enough and not fumble. Sure he’s no speed demon, but he reads his blocking well, when there’s any blocking there at all, and he’s about the same size as Slaton, Taylor, and Green, so the smallish description does not apply. One thing he did do was show up for OTAs, and camp, and play in the preseason games which is something that Chris Brown didn’t do. I just think it’s better to keep a player you’ve spent time on teaching the system too who can play in the case that all the other running backs get hurt, 2 of which usually are. So it has nothing to do with hero worship so much as plain common sense.

The other thing is I don’t think it’s good for team morale to keep someone like Chris Brown and cut Darius Walker, and after making claims that players who can’t stay on the field won’t make the team, it also creates credibility issues. It looks like company politics. Just my two cents.

Anthony Weaver should have definetly met he turk. He has been a no show ever since he’s been here.

Why in the world did they cut Anthony Maddox over that Zgonina “scrub?” He’s older than Al Davis.

I don’t see why Chris Brown hasn’t been cut. I don’t care how many x-rays they have overnighted to seriuosly look at. All they have to look at, is is past history which is hurt! hurt! hurt!

Also what do you think this regime see’s in the punter Matt Turk?

To me..he is absolutely terrible! Chad Stanley didn’t have a great leg either, but he was good at pinning the ball inside the 20 almost everytime. Turk’s only strong kicks are when we need the ball pinned in thye 20 and he booms them almost into the crowd. I just think that’s a real weakness on this team that’s never mentioned.

Ivey,

Cutting Anothony Maddox was a stupid move and cutting Colvin was the right move. Colvin has been worthless since he’s been here. -TH

Fans get all excited about Walker for some reason, but being an average back with decent vision and average acceleration on an average frame is just … average. He isn’t a special teams wizard so he was a dead-man walking this whole time. The Texans could take a look at another back off the waiver wire.

My sentiments about Walker EXACTLY.

Fool,

If you can’t make up your own mind about a player and have to look at radio talk show hosts and chronicle columnists opinions to decide for you who you should like or not like as a player, then that I am very disappointed in you. -TH

On the Maddox cut…….I am glad they open up that spot…..Zgonina is not the answer but the spot will be open if someone can step in do the job…..Free agent?????….now if they would just give the linebackers a wake-up call……..we will see how the defense improve……me think it will be about the same……….Zgonina is like Willie Nelson….he has out lived his D***

Interesting long-shot possibility for a pick up.Next up:Kenny Pettway (Jax)He’s a DE/LB that we drafted in ’05 to play linebacker in the 3-4. Jacksonville moved him back to DE where he was an undersized situational pass rusher. He did manage to collect 2 sacks last year in very limited action.

… am very disappointed in you. -THWell, pardon me. If you’ll notice what I said was “LZ put it well; that’s the way I see it.”FWIW, although LZ is a local radio personality, he’s also a fellow ChronBlogger. You’ll have to forgive me for not understanding the apparently byzantine politics surrounding the “community” of various sports bloggers, pundits, etc., here in Houston.I’m an engineer. We don’t think like that.That said, I think the LZ was right: You could find someone better than D. Walker on the waiver wire – or go without entirely. The 53-man roster limit and all that, you know.Hope you have a good weekend.

dan, thanks. The confusion came when I started seeing teams put multiple players on the PUP list in the last couple of days. For example, the Jags put several players on PUP in the last 3 days or David Tyree was placed on the list a few days ago.It seems that what they are actually doing is moving them from one form of PUP list to another (camp/PUP to Reserve/PUP). When you’re reading the articles, they don’t say the teams are moving the players to the Reserve/PUP, they just say the players were placed on PUP. I just figured they modified the PUP rules at the same time they implemented the 80 man camp roster, which is my fault.In my defense, it’s almost impossible to find good comprehensive information about NFL roster rules (NFL.com has game rules but not roster rules).To make a short story long, you’re right. The Texans could not have put Brown on PUP because he was active for…uhhh…like a week. LOL.

Well, the Bengals released Rudi. What do you think of picking him up? Do you know how big of a salary we’d be taking on? If its not too much then it might be worth a shot. I just heard he’s not in good shape though, and that worries me. I don’t think we want a guy if hes not motivated to play football.

Jared,

Rudi had some good years with Ciny. Them releasing him makes me nervous about taking him on. There’s something we don’t know that the Bengals didn’t like anymore with him. -TH

This regime however wouldn’t even use one Earl Campbell, much less two. They are still trying to prove that they don’t need any of the best RB’s in the league. Before coach Kubiak even got here and ever since then we have heard how ” he doesn’t need a great RB for his offense “. His offense is touted as “making” big time backs out of lesser quality backs.

Kubiak may have taken a Campbell as he got on up in age as he did A. Green for his number one. I would agree that at Green’s age he isn’t and shouldn’t be thought of as a top RB in the NFL. So in that case maybe someone like Earl could play for Kubiak.

Next on the list:Jerome McDougle (PHI)Was an outstanding edge rusher in college and the 15th overall pick in the 2003 draft. Injuries have slowed him since, including losing a season because he was shot in the abdomen while being robbed. Apparently he is healthy now, but the Eagles have already moved on.

Engineers don’t have a sense of humor? -TH –Posted by: fool at August 30, 2008 04:27 PMWhat is this “humor” you speak of?

Fool,

LOL…It’s when something is funny, usually because you can relate to it. I know, engineers are too busy crunching numbers and playing with their protractors and compasses to get outside once in a while…LOL! -TH

Ivey, according to the advanced stats at http://www.footballoutsiders.com, which are adjusted for field position and strength of opponent, our punt teams were slightly above average last year (0.7 points-worth of field position above league average on the season). In 2006 they were dire – 6.1 points below league average. Turk is not a pro-bowl calibre punter any more, but he is a competent one. Stanley was flat out awful from first to last.

Ridiculous that some Engineers continue to use outdated calculations and formulas when evaluating a design ‘failure’.

– Quotes from Random Engineers –

” There’s no way that Bridge should have fallen down ! ”

” Gee, we just inspected that Wing on that Airplane.”

” You know that Green is the best back the Texans have, WHEN HEALTHY. Just look at his stats from five years ago.”

” Brown will be what the Texans need to spell Green, just look what he did three years ago.”

” Taylor gained 99 yards in the one game he started. He should be counted on for a 99 yard game every two years according to my equation.”

” And even though Walker seemed to perform well in game situations at the end of last season, there are way too many variables in an actual game to judge a player on game performance. Under controlled conditions in practice is where a Real Coach gets his information. So a runner looks good in real games. Cut Him. Just ask Lance.”

I don’t think Rudi Johnson would be the way to go. One name at RB that did jump out at me is LaBrandon Toefield. He was buried on he JAX roster for a long time, but he always ate our lunch. Looks like he fell victim to the same thing in Carolina. He’s a good power back and would come cheaper than Johnson.

You’re doing yeoman’s work here this weekend. Thanks for everything your doing to keep us informed. On another note I just saw where the poor Aggies and Mike Sherman lost to Arkansas State in College Station. I never was a fan of Mike Sherman. I hear he is a good and likable person but I always thought he was an under acheiver in a head coach or coordinators role. With Sherman’s departure I expect the Texans to play at a higher level.

Larry,

Thanks. Mike Sherman is a nice guy, but I don’t think he gets the most out of his players for whatever reason. He might be too nice at times. -TH

I did a quick scan of the waiver wire and the name that jumped out at me was CB Jason Webster. I thought KC would release RBs Kolby Smith or Jackie Battle but not as of this post.

Fool must be happy that GA Tech won this weekend.

Darius Walker is the only RB who had remained healthy on the Texans roster. When he played he was one of the better backs on the field. He may be only average but right now that is better than anything else they have. This could come back to haunt them.

Larry,

You’re right. Some say Walker was average (Fool), but that’s a whole lot better than the condition Green and Brown are in. At least Walker could get on the field. -TH

“Darius Walker is the only RB who had remained healthy on the Texans roster.”– Larry HouseCome on! Anybody can stay healthy for 71 touches! That is…um…er…almost anybody…LOL.Seriously, if you’re not the top back or some kind of specialty back (3rd downs), then you have to have some versatility and bring something else to the team. There are too few roster spots to not have your subs do something else productive and well. Slaton is the third down back and backs up returning kicks. Taylor subs at Fullback. Walker does????

TSG,

We’re not saying Walker was a powerhouse. We are just saying that at least he can get on the field. That’s more than Green and Brown put together at this point. -TH

I think it’s near unanimous that cutting Maddox is a stupid cut by Rick Smith. You did not hear Zgonina or Weaver mentioned in any game during pre-season, yet Maddox was a lone shining star among DL with sack, interception, causing fumble.

In 2000, Sherman became the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He led the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons from 2000-04. From 2002-2004, he led the Packers to three consecutive NFC North Division titles. From 2000-04, he compiled a 53-27 record, and a .663 winning percentage, which is the second highest in Packers history, trailing that of Vince Lombardi’s, who is one of the most successful coaches in the history of football. Additionally, Green Bay and the Philadelphia Eagles were the only two teams to make the playoffs for four consecutive seasons from 2001-04.

Enough said..except I don’t like Kubiak always having an older successful coach to hold his hand..like when Dierker hired Bill Virdon to be his bench coach…shows a lack of confidence in yourself

Dave,

We were never implying Sherman was never successful. We were just discussing since he got here, things didn’t go always right, but it wasn’t necessarily his fault. At A & M, we’ll see if he can get the Ags on a winning road. -TH

NFL.com reports that Brown has a herniated disk and his career is likely over.

I would expect an injury settlement is forthcoming.

Michael,

That’s why they didn’t cut him. I am wondering if Kubiak knew his career was over and was holding on to him for the reason of releasing him on an injury settlement? We all could have told coach Brown’s career was over simply by watching him run. -TH

And while we’re on the subject guess which average back ripped off the longest run 41 yards last season…

Who is Darius Walker recently cut tailback of the Houston Texans Alex?

So if Darius Walker is average, then Ahman Green is below average, and Chris Brown is demanding a whole new set of standards to define much much less than average. Guess which of the 3 would cost the least? If all the Texans want out of a tailback is a body guard for Schuab then they just could have kept Leach and Dayne, and run the shotgun every down with 3 wideouts and Dayne to the right of Schuab and Leach to the left.

Do you really want a guy who doesn’t want to tote the rock 25 times per game in the backfield? Clearly the Texans do, but, they’re gonna fix the running game this year. So Darius Walker can’t run through linebackers and over defensive backs, well when have the Texans ever had a back like that anyway? and besides, the Texans offense is not a Jim Brown Earl Campbell kind of offense. They’re not gonna run a power I and they’re not gonna line up and just try to go ever the top of the other teams defense. So when it’s 4th and 1 on the other teams goal line and the Texans have to score to advance in the playoffs or even make the playoffs I’m thinking the Texans will have to pass. Well that’s the coaches choice, OK fine, at least now we have an offense that can do something besides fold up like an un-staked tent on the beach.

To their credit, they do have an offense that’s not so 1 dimensional it has to completely abandon it’s game plan to come from behind when it falls behind by 10 points or more, which was a problem Bill Cowher and the Jerome Bettis Steelers had.

Chris Brown is who the Titans thought he was, and the Texans are who we think they are.

Yeah, because coming off a season-ending injury last season, the team felt he wasn’t back to his old self again. It would be a gamble for the Texans to try and pick him up, but what we have now, anything is better than nothing. -TH

Wont be long Darius will be back with the team instead of Practice Squad. Green will be broken during first series in Pittsburgh. I know he is not a lot of things we want in a RB, but he can play. I still say one more yr & we draft a franchise type RB. I like RB by committee. Works for now. Remember this team is a work in progress,we aint going to no stinkin’ Super Bowl this yr,anyway!

Well TH, I agree about Sherman since he arrived here….and at Texas A&M…I was just saying he had been succesful in the past..I just wish Kubiak Smith would stand on their own two legs and make quicker more meaningful decisions…It took them two months to decide to bring in Rex Hadnot, and 18 hours to sign McGlover…..Hadnot didn’t fix the profile and McGlover is not an edge rusher….where is the CB and they Need a Guard big time…..thanks for listening to quirkie stuff

Dave,

The Texans admitted that they are looking on the waiver wire to bring in at least one or two more CB’s. Look for them to sign a cornerback or two in the next few days. When they do, I am not sure who they will cut. -TH

TH, on point as usual, dude! Firstly folks, I’d like someone to show me a quote (with a source) where Kubiak or Smith said they don’t want a 1st round back. I know it sounds like semantics, but what they say is that this system produces good rushing numbers from backs that are considered lower round talent. And yes, that’s probably the company line to avoid saying, “Yeah well, we had bigger holes to fill, DUMMIES!” People from other football cities (brother-in-laws in Chicago, Dallas, Arkansas) ALL note what we fans sometimes refuse to see: you MUST build from the lines OUT! I have complete faith that next year we’ll see a high pick used on a back, although we will probably take a pass rusher first.Felix Jones or Mendenhall would not do a damn thing for Schaub’s blindside. Mike Jenkins (AND Champ Bailey, too!) would still get TORCHED with our “pass rush.” Yeah, so let’s throw a blitz at a guy like Peyton Manning. There’s NO WAY he’ll pick it up…Anyhow, sorry to go off on a rant. I almost agree that Slaton will be our everyday guy. I have NO IDEA where this “undersized” crap comes from. Tony D played at 190- something, right? Payton, not exactly a bruiser. Warrick Dunn; buck-eighty-five. I think Chris Taylor is the only thing that could prevent that from happening. And if Green can stay on the field, then hoo-ray for us, things might be good for a playoff run.True to what YOU’VE been saying ALL last off-season, Thomas, Chris Taylor is finally looking like a dude who can produce in this offense! Thunder and Lightning combo backs?? Well, I wouldn’t quite say that yet, but if the o-line can pick up this run blocking scheme, they certainly have the potential to be just that. Both of them splitting the carries with the hot hand fishing games is a real possibility. I really think the Jags are gonna CRUSH our division this year, and it has a lot to do with Taylor and Jones-Drew. I’m WAY out, and counting the days til Pittsburgh! Go Taylor & Slaton, go Matt “the Hard 8″, GO TEXANS!!

Taylor C,

Thanks, bro. I say Slaton will be our #1 back by mid-season. If Green can get healthy and actually get on the field, that’s just gravy for the team’s backfield. Taylor will make a good FB. He’s got the frame for it. I am ready to see what this team does in a real game that counts on Sunday. Let’s hope for the best that they stay competitive at the very least. -TH

For the patriots cuts you forgot WR chad jackson. I would think the Titans would be jumping to sign him.

Thanks,

rodd.

Rodd,

Thanks, man. I had so many names to list, I knew I would forget someone. I also need to add that the Patriots cut S John Lynch, also. I guess Lynch will retire now. Unfortunately, the Pats signed CB Deltha O’Neal today. I was hoping the Texans would go after him. Thanks again, Rodd! -TH

The Broncos are reportedly close to trading Dominique Foxworth? Any inside info or any chance it could be to the Texans?(just because of the connection.) He is a nickel CB though, which we already have enough of.

Yeah, let’s give a QB like Manning all day to find a receiver. The more defenders in coverage, the better his knee will feel. And don’t forget, the scheme is for the defensive lineman to contain their blocker, keep them off the linebackers. Don’t want one of the Texan defenders in the opponents backfield, that’s totally out of position until the four count. The talent is pretty even in the NFL except for a few elite players. These coaches need to find a defense that will work with the players they’ve got.

Hey Thomas, its Jonathan again.(I dont mean to bother) But another question. The Lions released Tatum Bell and reports are out there that the Texans may be interested or may look at him. If you could maybe find something out,(Im sure you have nothing to report now but yeah.) thanks. And thanks before for answering my other question. I hope you dont mind me, but I like the way you seem to get the news update out before any other or even are the only one with actual (real time) updates. Thanks again..

Jonathan,

No problem. That’s what I am here for. You’re always welcome to ask me any questions you are searching for answers for. It’s never a bother to me. This is why I do it. Detroit released Tatum Bell basically because reports are indicating that he;s lost his desire to play football. I have heard from sources inside the industry that say he just doesn’t care to play for losing teams anymore. I have heard the Texans have contacted Tatum Bell’s agent, but I don’t know if it’s just a courtesy call or if the Texans are actually actively interested in pursuing Bell. We’ll have more information tomorrow or Wednesday. Today being a holiday, it’s hard to get people on the phone or answer text messages. Stay tuned and I hope to have something tomorrow afternoon. I’m flying back to Philly tomorrow morning, since classes start up Wednesday, so I should have something by tomorrow afternoon or early evening. I’ll be on the phone while at the airport making calls to find out any updates on the Bell situation. -TH

Yet, I know nothing. Among the backs the Texans have, Darius Walker showed promise. Did he show Larry Johnson like promise? Or, did he show LaDanian Tomlinson like promise? Or, Marion Barber promise…even? No. But, of the backs the Texans have…he showed promise. More than Green, more than Brown, and in the same capacity…if not a little better, than Taylor. Therefore, it made perfect sense to banish him to the nethersphere of the practice squad. Makes perfect logic. But, I don’t know anything.

I must say it is an honor to have you grace our blog with your presence. I know you mainly stick to McClains side of the tracks over there, but it is nice to see you on our modest blog we have developed here. Fool is a very wise man (except I don ‘t agree with him about Darius Walker). Fool clams Green is our best back when healthy, but what stats does he have to go on? When Green was with the Packers, because Green has no stats since he’s been with the Texans, so I am unsure how anyone can come to the conclusion that Green is our best back, but then throw in that small little phrase “when he’s healthy”. Hell, Any player can be the best when they are healthy. Good stuff, Coward! -TH

I know your going to school to be a doctor (if I’m not mistaken), but you would make a damn good sports reporter too. Your’e on your way to school but your workin those phones at the airport. Thats motivation! haha. Have a safe trip bro. BTW, if you hear anything on where Anthony Maddox signs, let us know please. I’m interested in keeping up with him this season to watch how he plays for whoever he signs with.

Jared,

Thanks. I willbe happy being a doctor, but if the Chronicle came calling, I may just have to take that call. I would have to wait and see. I’ll keep you updated on Maddox. -TH

Mark my words man Slayton will be the week 3 starter due to injury green and lack of prod. from taylor. Thus Slayton suprises the leage and is third in ROY voting… Mark my words TH, you heard it hear first on TH’s BLOG..

Thx..

TEDDY

Teddy,

My main man, I’m with you. In fact, I drafted Slatoin on my fantasy team anbd everyone had their little wise-cracks about it. It doesn’t seem so far-fetched now, does it? Slaton will be a candidate for offensive ROY this year. Mark my words (and yours). Thanks, Teddy! -TH

The Texans just released Brandon Frye. I know we have a blevy of tackles, but do you think it was just a release or a sign of things to come? (maybe a signing). And any new news on the Tatum Bell front?

Thanks

Jonathan,

The release of Frye is two-fold. Yes, they have a plethora of tackles, but they also have already stated they want to add a few more CB’s before the season starts, so they are probably just making room for that to happen, while Kubiak/Smith scour the waiver wire. -TH

TH, Well we have reached that ‘point of no return’ this season. Speculations & irritations about this or that player will be laid to rest. The old coulda-woulda-shoulda is no longer the issue, just points on the scoreboard. Our difficult schedule is still our schedule & all we can do is our best against teams that are just plain better than we are at this time. The real question to be addressed this day is the obvious one. Are you ready for some football?

Kreno,

There’s no turning back now. Minus any little adjustments or tweaks they make to the roster, this is the team we have and we have to get behind them and support them. So many writers around the nation are picking the Texans to be the “sleeper” team” this year, so we’ll see what happens. -TH

Are you really comparing Slaton’s size to Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett? I mean don’t you think the athletes today might be just a little bit bigger stronger and faster than they were back then? That’s like saying Babe Ruth would dominate if he played baseball today. I’ll give you Warrick Dunn, but he is one exception to all of the small backs that can’t handle it. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Slaton and that stiff arm he put on Roy Williams, but don’t you guys think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself with all of this Rookie of the Year talk? I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Chris Taylor will lead the team in rushing this season.

Outlaw,

I would have said the same thing about Taylor, but since he will be playing FB now, I don’t see him getting the majority of rushing yards. He’ll be blocking for the backfield. -TH

You know the zone blitz is a 3-4 defense, and has been around more than 10 years now, but if the Texans run a 4-3, and drop defensive ends into coverage that’s a what, train wreck? I recall Seth Payne being used to clear lanes for linebackers a zone blitz technique, because he used to get called for holding frequently which I always thought was very odd, but the Texans tackles now don’t seem to get called for holding, so how can it really be a zone blitz, or is that why the got Frank Okam, so he can play nose tackle and get called for holding?

A little more background on McClover (it’s really hard to not call him McLovin…LOL). After only 9 starts in 24 games for Auburn (and 15.5 sacks), for whatever reason, he came out as a third year Sophomore. Some draft gurus still had him rated as high as a late second to third round grade (including Kiper). He didn’t run as well as expected at the combine. He timed at 4.7 in Indy when his previous 40s were in the high 4.5s. I did notice that his vertical leap was 39″ which shows very good explosiveness. His draft stock fell and he wasn’t picked until the 7th round. Most experts think he would have gone in the second or first round had he stayed in school. One thing that you see consistently in his draft scouting reports is that he was/is extremely athletic and quick but raw technique-wise. Supposedly he also has a very good motor.Hopefully, he’s refined his technique somewhat as a backup in Carolina and we can get him over the hump to fulfill his potential. He seems to be exactly what we’re looking for right now, though, as a pass rushing specialist. Remember, even if his athleticism alone just pressures the QB, he’ll cut off the QB’s escape route from Mario. Whether he sticks with the team or not probably depends on if he shows that he has improved his technique at least some.

Man I’m down on the Texans this year. I’ve been trying to put on my optimist’s hat but I just can’t do it.

We still have no running back. We have a makeshift OL that may get better over time but out of the gate we have a rookie left tackle as a starter. We have good wide receivers and QBs.

We’re going to have no running game worthy of the name (again) which will put enormous pressure on the QB’s, receivers and OL. Our QBs are going to be punching bags.

On defense nothing has changed. In fact, we may even be weaker in the secondary than we were last year. Our best DB is on PuP.

We’ll start essentially the same DL we had last year. Perhaps another year for Okoye and Mario will make a difference, but I doubt that will be enough. Opposition QBs are going to have open receivers all over the field with that secondary. We brought in an aging linebacker let go by another team with the idea we were going to convert him to a DE (sigh).

I’m resigned to us moving backwards this year, I expect 6 or 7 wins. I hope I’m wrong.

Mark my words man Slayton will be the week 3 starter due to injury green and lack of prod. from taylor. Thus Slayton suprises the leage and is third in ROY voting… Mark my words TH, you heard it hear first on TH’s BLOG..

Thx..

TEDDY

Teddy,

My main man, I’m with you. In fact, I drafted Slatoin on my fantasy team anbd everyone had their little wise-cracks about it. It doesn’t seem so far-fetched now, does it? Slaton will be a candidate for offensive ROY this year. Mark my words (and yours). Thanks, Teddy! -TH

Posted by: teddy in D.C. but from houston at September 2, 2008 01:20 PM

I WAS REALY HACKED WHEN I LOGGED IN TO SEE YOU HAD HIM FIRST. I WANTED THE HOMER RIGHTS. LOL

Ah… the start of the regular season and optimism is in full bloom. I feel like this Texans team is the best (talent wise) that we’ve ever fielded. The ZBS I believe will improve as our players become more accustomed to it, and should be in full swing by mid-season. It’s just gonna take some time. The Steelers are going to be one heck of a challenge, but should be a good barometer on where we stand at this time. C’mon Texans. Tear ’em up!

I read that the texans were about to sign eugene wilson, he was cut by tampa. wasnt he a safety at NE? they are saying he is a corner.

Justin,

The Texans already signed Wilson to a one-year contract. They had it done early this morning, but it was publicly released until this afternoon. Wilson is a Safety, but can play CB and the Texans will probably platoon Wilson back and forth from CB to S. -TH

TH, I am predicting that Steve Slaton will be the impact player we need to step up & make a difference this season on offense. A few reasons I feel this way are obvious after watching his preseason performance. Kubiak addressed certain problems such as making 1 cut & heading up field, which is what Slaton has learned to do in a short period of time. He is smart as well as being a coach’s dream. He listens, then reponds by doing what he was coached to do. He is well aware of what is expected of him at his position & seems determined to be the best back he can be. Not much more can be expected of this young man at this point. However, his best contribution to this offense may very well be his ability to block. A right handed QB has to have protection from his blindside & this means Duane Brown & Slaton must be effective blockers. Slaton shows no fear while attacking a defender rather than standing flat footed & waiting for the player to hit him. He plays much larger than the scales would indicate. He proves what I have said all along about what it will take for the Texans to become a playoff caliber team. Youth & speed. Ryans, Mario, Duane Brown & yes, even Jacoby Jones. Young players working together & learning how best to play the game under Kubiak & Co. is what will win us games, but we must be able to keep & improve these players if we are to win championships. Look at the dynasty teams. They have veterans that have been on their rosters for season after successful season & many were drafted as rookies. We have our own share of star quality players, but we need to see more out of certain players that have yet to convert their potential into performance. In my mind next year’s draft will be our most important step towards becoming a playoff contender. In the past we have been ‘owned’ by our divisional rivals & this must be our #1 priority. How to beat these teams is the big mystery & Kubiak & Smith have to find the key real soon because ‘the natives are getting restless’.

Kreno,

I agree. I think Slaton will also be a candidate for offensive rookie of the year. That’s just my opinion, but I feel he has that much upside. -TH

TH, When we had Dom(Davis)Williams we had faith in a winner. We felt as if we had strength at the RB position. There was a confidence that is so necessary in the mindset of a team, both on offense & defense. So much hinges on the success or failure at this position. Now here we are, beginning our 7th season & we are still searching for our franchise go-to-guy at RB. This as well as our glaring need at CB may make or break this team’s chances of duplicating last season’s 8-8.

Kreno,

Hopefully Eugene Wilson won’t turn out to be a complete bust like Colvin did and IF they sign Tatum Bell, we can only hope he is somewhat serviceable. We just need the team to keep the division/Wildcard within reach until Dunta comes back and everybody else can stay healthy. If we falter and let the Colts or the Jags run away with the AFC South right out of the gate, it’s going to be a long season. -TH

Hey, TH, great work on the blog as always. I really like the Wilson signing, but I’m not really keen on Bell. I think we should just roll into the season with the 3 backs and see what happens.

So, whats up with you and certain nameless Chronicle columnists? This isn’t the first time I’ve read something like that and I’m curious to know what the deal is. Is this some common knowledge that I somehow missed?

Jake,

No, it has nothing to do with me and other columnists. I was just told yesterday that certain columnists were telling their readers the Texans would never have any interest in Tatum Bell and I know for a fact they got in touch with his agent and he is/was coming to Houston to try out for Kubiak. That’s all it is. It’s no big deal. Thanks for the kind words on the blog. I am trying to make it as good as I possibly can for all of you. That’s why I will try new things with it every now and then and see what works and what doesn’t. -TH

Now here we are, beginning our 7th season & we are still searching for our franchise go-to-guy at RB. –Posted by: Kreno at September 3, 2008 01:53 PMWho is the “franchise go-to RB”* for Baltimore? Detroit? Denver? Seattle? NY Jets?

*ANSWERS: Ray Rice (Rookie-2nd Rd. #55 overall) (W. McGahee is injured); Kevin Smith (Rookie-3d Rd. #64); Selvin Young (2nd Yr.-Undrafted FA); Maurice Morris (7th Yr.-2nd Rd. #54); Thomas Jones (9th Yr.-1st Rd. #7-2.3 ypa in Preseason)Not every team has a 26-year-old first-round draft choice at RB. Fact is, the Texans are probably in better shape at RB than they’ve ever been, including when Davis/Williams was here – because he had essentially no back-up and started only 36 games during the three years he was active, 2003-2005.Heck, they’ve got a guy on the practice squad that a bunch of folks here think should be the Texans’ starter!Can’t you admit the glass might just be a smidgen more than just “empty?”

Hopefully Eugene Wilson won’t turn out to be a complete bust like Colvin did…Wilson’s “just a guy” they got off the reject pile, aka “the waiver wire.” Colvin was a legitimate FA signing. Big difference.If Wilson gets cut, no big deal. Colvin not making the team was a big disappointment.IF they sign Tatum Bell, we can only hope he is somewhat serviceable. –Posted by: Kreno at September 3, 2008 01:53 PMI can almost assure you that T. Bell won’t figure in anything this season. He’s a shot in the dark, even if he signs. Excitement over a fourth-string RB is kinda pathetic.

TH maybe you need to stop trying to act like justice with the snide comments and follow what has recently happened with Bell. Now, after doing a tiny bit of research maybe it is you who is the fool. Does everyone at the chron have to act like a jerk?

Spec,

I completely understand. However, my comments aren’t meant to be taken as mean or snide. I am just having fun like we all do around here. If readers like Fool can make silly comments at us, why can’t we do the same? It’s not malicious statements towards each other, it’s just being silly. Trust me, my comments are in no way of trying to be a jerk. -TH

I’m more than a little concerned about this Tatum Bell idea..i think it has the potential to turn into a huge fiasco. whats up with the reports of Bell stealing from Rudi Johnson? Literally taking his money from his dufflebag and then being dumb enough to be caught on tape? Any substance to that? If so, that’s the last guy we want to bring on to a shaky team..

Tatum Bell might be on his way here but he has new legal issues in Detroit.I here he stole one of his ex teammates bags then returned them with all the goods missing.So if all this is true,I hope Tatum enjoyed his day in Houston.

I never said Darius Walker should be a starter. As a matter of fact I said Steve Slaton should start. All I ever said was that he should have been kept over Chris Brown, and possibly Ahman Green. It’s only his second year (Walker’s) and he came out as a junior.

I don’t understand why you have to make a whole thing out of simple common sense, I mean Chris Brown can’t even get on the field, and Walker had good numbers running behind yet another make shift offensive line, in the real season, when the games really counted. Sure you can say he’s not really an every down back, but you can’t because he hasn’t really been given the chance. All I’m saying is that when young players get playing time and show potential the give the kids a real chance. Apparently you would reward their hard work and patience by kicking them out the door.

The Texans aren’t going to find the next Jim Brown out their on the waiver wire anyway.

I would be very surprised to see Bell signed by the Texans. While Bell was on the Lions 53 man roster last year he didn’t dress for games the 2nd half of the season. Wilson is a seasoned vet with above average skills. A veteran who comes from a winning and championship team. Wilson’s attitude and know how can spill over to the younger Texan’s players. I think Bell’s attitude is his biggest problem.

You’re a blogger, not an investigative reporter. These “I know for a fact” things just make you look foolish. Maybe the Texans were hot on the trail of Michael Turner, and maybe they had told Roosevelt Colvin he’d be a starter in order to sign him, and maybe the Texans were flying Tatum Bell into town, but there’s every reason to believe the opposite, and only your now pretty embarrassing claims that say they were ever true.

Maybe all of them were indeed facts at one time, but please excuse me when the fact that none of them actually came to pass makes me think of the little boy who cried “Wolf” the next time something similar shows up in your investigative journalism piece err… Blog.

Nobody expects you to be either Woodward or Bernstein – just write your blog.

Reguy,

I totally respect your opinion, but I think you have it all wrong about me. I have never said I was an investigative reporter. All I have ever done was report the truth, but sometimes what is going on doesn’t always pan-out? Does that make me look foolish? Maybe to you, but not to me, because I know in my heart that I am reporting the facts. Just because someone reports something, doesn’t mean that it is always going to follow through. A lot of times things do fall apart in the end behind the scenes, but at the times we report them, it is the truth, so I think you are looking at this all wrong. So, what you think is making me look foolish, I know I can honestly say it’s the truth at the times that I post them. I do respect what you have to say and all I can ask is try and see it from my side of things. I do appreciate your honesty and opinion, though. Thank you. -TH

Who are the Texans going to move to make room for Wilson? Also, if they sign Bell, what would that do to the RB position? (others already on the roster). One more thing, please answer this for me. When players are signed to the practice squad, what are their salary? Is it by the week or is it just like getting the league minimum? Thanks.

P.S. When Bell does come in, make sure no one has their luggage sitting outside the coaches offices……

Paul

Paul,

I wasn’t implying they are going to sign Bell. Since he played under the Denver system, it would only be practical for the Texans to at least try him out. I am not sure who they would release to make room. For practice squad players, I I believe the 2008-2010 league rules state that the players get $5200 per week on the practice squad. -TH

On Bell, I wasn’t saying that they WERE going to sign him, just wondering who would be the odd man out if they did….

Keep up the great work and let’s hope the Texans can get off to a similar start as last year, but without the injuries!!! Go Texans

Paul

Paul,

I know you didn’t say they were going to sign him. I guess all the hate-emails I have gotten today just has me a little off-step right now. I just worded some things wrong and now I am paying the price for them this evening. Sorry about implying you said they were going to sign him. I know you didn’t say that, my man. -TH

**FOOL**- As per usual you try & speak for those that have already spoken quite clearly. My statement that we are still searching for our go to guy at RB stands no matter what kind of slant you try & put on it. I have no problem with your rebuttal as long as we are talking about the Texans, but your post eludes to “where is the go to guy for Baltimore,Detroit,Denver,Seattle or the Jets”. I don’t know & that is why my post was limited to the Texans problems at RB, not any other team. And with regards to the portion of your post regarding the Texans Davis/Williams era you state that he only started 36 games in 3 years. There are 48 games in 3 regular seasons which indicates that Davis/Williams was not the starter in only 12 out of 48 games. And lastly, where did you read that I made a statement regarding any glass, empty, full or 1/2 full? I never posted any such attitude. If you actually read MY posts instead of being confused you would see that I obviously support my team even if I am being critical to some degree whenever their performance warrants it.

…[the Texans] are still searching for [their] go to guy at RB… –Posted by: Kreno at September 3, 2008 07:12 PMWhereas my point is that a “go-to guy at RB” isn’t as common as you imply, nor is he an absolute necessity.This is the NFL, where the average player puts in about four years before he’s knocked out of competition, and the life-expectancy of the average RB is less than that. In fact, you can no longer even compare the game in this, the first decade of the Twenty-First Century with the game of just a decade ago in that respect.”Running Back by committee” isn’t just some wacky idea that Mike Shanahan came up with and Kubiak has bought into, it’s actually the “wave of the future,” like the West Coast Offense or the Cover Two were in their day. It’s an adjustment to reality.This is why I don’t understand the fixation on RBs. I can understand it if you’re 13 and just getting a handle on what football is about, but not an adult who ought to be able to understand subtleties.Today’s “go-to RB” is on the waiver wire tomorrow – just look at what all you people here are jabbering about: “Gee, Tatum Bell! Wow, Rudi Johnson!” The 90% probability is that those guys are DONE. They’re used up, fini! They are as useful as Ahman Green will likely be.What you’re reacting to is recollections of Sports Center highlights from two or three years ago. Those aren’t the same guys any more.Anyone who has it in his mind that there’s going to be a “go-to RB” that’ll put the Texans on the map for the next several seasons is just, as I said, fooling himself. While it is true that some RBs seem to have staying power, like L. Tomlinson (whose output dropped DRAMATICALLY last season even though he started every game), even if a guy like that shows up the Texans and any other NFL team would be NUTS to think they can count on such a guy, build an offense around him. One disastrous play and you’re improvising the rest of the season.I might disagree about the value of Darius Walker, but I will say this: I’ll take one of him for any two Tatum Bells or Cedric Bensons, based on the odometer reading alone.And that’s without even mentioning the inevitable “off the field” problems that stem, not from sheer thuggery, but because these guys have lived more than half their lives as the STAR RUNNING BACK, gotten to the very top of their profession and it’s already over before they’ve even cashed their last outrageously large paycheck.It’s rare any more that you have a guy go out on top as Jim Brown was able to do – Tiki Barber’s about the closest you can come these days.Sorry to be so long-winded, but when I try to be terse you people can’t even catch my drift. I dunno, I didn’t attend an Ivy League School or anything; I’m just an engineer, but surely you guys can think bigger than kids who trade bubble-gum cards (or do they even make those any more?)Sorry, TH, don’t mean to be so abrasive, I’m ready for the football season to begin and for all the mindless chatter to end.I’m out.

Fool,

No problem, my man. I hope you don’t ever take anything I say to you as malicious comments or anything. You know from me, it’s all in good fun. I’m with you. I’m ready for the real season to begin and that way a lot of our questions can start to be answered instead of having to assume how we think the team will play, you know what I mean? -TH

There are 48 games in 3 regular seasons which indicates that Davis/Williams was not the starter in only 12 out of 48 games. –Posted by: Kreno at September 3, 2008 07:12 PMAnd so your definition of “go-to RB” is one that starts three-fourths of the games?Who do you “go to” the remaining four games? Or do you count on ending the season at 12-4?Whether you realize it or not, you made my point for me. For most of three seasons the Texans had a threat at Running Back. And that guy was drafted in the 4th Round!Go figure.

Perhaps if you do not realize that is a ‘snide’ obnoxious comment by yourself, that is why you can’t comprehend clever replies by T.H. I believe most of the regulars here appreciate the courtesy of our host.

That is why I feel the need to point out a ‘jerk’ calling others jerks.

Thanks for having the best sports blog I have ever read. Thanks for being truthful about the Texans whether it is what the majority wants to hear or not.

You are certainly not one I would call foolish.

As far as T. Bell and other prospects at this time, coach Kubiak & other brass can get a first hand look at what kind of shape these players are in with nothing more than the cost of airfare. It’s worth looking at many players, so in week two or three when someone goes down you can grab a guy that is already in shape and ready to play.

Thanks for being such a loyal reader to this blog. I think most know that have been on here long enough realize that I don’t fabricate anything. What I report is the absolute truth at that time, but sometimes in the end it doesn’t always happen and that’s life. I am grateful for having friends in places that can pass along inside information on the Texans, so that I can pass it along to all of you that have supported me for the last 18 months. I put a lot of personal time into this blog and I am always happy to do it. I have never felt I was in competition with anyone else, whether it be a another blogger or columnist. We just do what we do here on our blog and everyone else does what they do on theirs. I’m glad I have the best readers in the world here and I can definitely say that is an absolute fact, as nobody can deny my claim with any amount of facts or figures. Take care, Coach! -TH

I don’t know where TH got his information about Bell. I can only say that i have read it in other places as well.

“Bell tries Texans

Former Lions running back Tatum Bell flew to Houston to try out with the Texans. The attraction is that his former line coach with the Denver Broncos, Alex Gibbs , is now an assistant head coach in charge of offense with the Texans.” Detroit News

I get my information from friends within the organization. I wholeheartedly was telling telling the truth. As I have always said, I would NEVER post something unless it is the absolute truth at that time. Unfortunately, reports don’t always pan-out, but I never feel “foolish”, because I know I am telling the truth from reliable sources on the inside. I would NEVER lie to my readers, ever. Some people seem to think just because a report doesn’t pan-out exactly the way it was initially reported, then that person that reported the information must be fabricating it, which is simply not the case. I know Kubiak has denied contact with Bell, but I can 100% assure you the Texans have had contact with his agent and inquired about his services. Thanks, Dan! -TH

I would NEVER lie to my readers, ever.I don’t think anyone implied that. It’s just that folks go from “tryout” to “he’s gonna sign and we have our ‘go-to RB!'” way too easily.Reality is that Tatum Bell would be about as useful to the Texans as…well, actually, he probably WOULDN’T be useful to the Texans at all.We’re talking about a guy who was cut by the LIONS so they could sign a guy who was cut by the BENGALS.Does anyone else not hear the ambulance siren?

Fool,

That’s fair. I see what you are saying. I guess sometimes, I don’t explain myself well enough, but I just assume people will understand what I am implying, but I forget sometimes that we all don’t see things the same way. Neither side is good or bad, it’s just a different perspective. That’s fair and I understand what you are saying, Fool. -TH

Sorry to be so long-winded, but when I try to be terse you people can’t even catch my drift. I dunno, I didn’t attend an Ivy League School or anything; I’m just an engineer, but surely you guys can think bigger than kids who trade bubble-gum cards (or do they even make those any more?)